Auto Trader

Car jacking is perhaps one of the most dangerous things that can happen when selling a vehicle. This is because a sale of a vehicle relies on a certain amount of trust, which criminals can exploit.

With car security systems getting more sophisticated, thieves are starting to attack the weakest link in the system - the driver. Car jackings in the street, at traffic lights or in petrol stations may make the newspapers, but be aware that car jackers can strike when coming to view your vehicle.

Unfortunately there is little that you can do to stop yourself falling victim to a determined thief, but the following may help:

• Always meet the buyer at a location of your choosing - thieves have been known to trap sellers in unfamiliar locations
• Make sure you have someone with you - a lone seller is far easier prey than two or three of you
• If you do become a victim, surrender the keys and call the police as soon as possible. Do not challenge them.
  
  

Important links
Trading Standards - http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/
National Criminal Intelligence Service - www.ncis.gov.uk/uk.asp
Other scams - www.dti.gov.uk
Police links - http://www.police.uk/
Metropolitan Police Fraud Alert - www.met.police.uk/fraudalert
Report an unscrupulous dealer enquiries@autotrader.co.uk
Report a scammer fraud.alert@met.police.uk

Please do not email the Metropolitan Police unless you have details of the fraudsters bank details, address or telephone numbers. Also bear in mind that the Metropolitan Police covers the Greater London area. For help across the rest of the UK, please contact your local force.

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